Theft- On Thursday, March 5, 2020, at 8:25 p.m., Officer Dallas Gant was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a shoplifting.  Loss Prevention reported that a male suspect entered the store leaving his vehicle running in the parking lot.  The male was seen running from the store with merchandise and exiting the lot.  The surveillance video is being used to identify the actor.

Burglary- On Friday, March 6, 2020, at 12:45 p.m., Officers John Simonson, Michael Verwey, and Matthew D’Antonio responded a Dover Road home in reference to a burglary.  The homeowner reported that unknown suspect(s) entered the residence after forcing entry.  Although nothing appeared missing, the damage to the front door is valued at $500.  Detective Adam Ewart also responded.

Burglary- On Friday, March 6, 2020, at 3:34 p.m., Officers John Simonson, Michael Verwey, and Matthew D’Antonio were dispatched to a Smith Road residence after a neighbor located damage to the home.  It appeared that an actor(s) used a large rock to break a sliding glass door allowing access to the home.  Members of the Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit processed the scene.

DWI- On Sunday, March 8, 2020, at 4:17 a.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Kearny Avenue and Lakeside Drive.  The stop was conducted after a computer inquiry revealed an expired registration.  During the stop, it was deemed that the driver, Lawrence Harmon, 22, was under the influence.  Harmon was arrested and charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, Unregistered Vehicle, and Failure to Exhibit Insurance.

Fraud- On Sunday, March 8, 2020, at 11:14 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht met with a Forked River resident reporting fraudulent activity.  The victim stated that the while attempting to make a purchase with her debit card she was denied the transaction.  The victim discovered that her account had been fraudulently used recently in several other locations including Edison, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota.

Fraud- On Sunday, March 8, 2020, at 12:02 p.m., Officer Alan Abrecht met with a Lacey resident in reference to identity theft.  The caller stated that while performing a credit check, he discovered that an unknown person in Beaver Meadows, Pennsylvania, had used his personal information to purchase a phone and open a Verizon Wireless account that was now in collection for non-payment.  The fraudulent charges are valued at $1,164.

Arrest- On Monday, March 9, 2020, at 5:16 p.m., Officer Elton Copes was dispatched to the Lacey Mall in reference to a suspicious person.  Upon arrival, Officer Copes identified the person as Rafael Pomponio.  Pomponio was arrested after an outstanding warrant was discovered.  He was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of $550 bail issued by the Toms River Municipal Court.

Fire- On Monday, March 9, 2020, at 6:18 p.m., Officer Sarno responded to a Jones Road home after receiving a call for an oven fire.  The Forked River Fire Department responded extinguishing the fire and ventilating smoke from the home.

Arrest- On Monday, March 9, 2020, at 8:08 p.m., Lacey Police received a call for a well-being check of an adult male who was reportedly using heroin.  Lacey officers, with the assistance of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, searched a wooded area off Route 9 near the power plant.  Several hours later, Officer Anthony Sarno observed the subject, Corey Heulitt, in a Route 9 parking lot.  Heulitt, who had an outstanding warrant, attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a short chase.  When arrested, Heulitt was found in possession of nearly 100 bags of heroin and hypodermic syringes.  Heulitt was charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, and Resisting Arrest prior to being transferred to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

MV Accident- On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at 6:20 p.m., Officer Michael Hein was dispatched to a one-car motor vehicle accident on Lacey Road in Bamber.  While traveling east, the vehicle left the roadway striking a utility pole.  The utility pole split causing wires to come in contact with the ground starting a brush fire.  Bamber Fire Department and the NJ State Forest Fire Service extinguished the fire.  The driver, a 43 year-old Bayville woman, was not injured.

The Lacey Township Police Department takes numerous reports of our residents being scammed.  Most of these scams are conducted from outside of the United States giving our agency little to no chance of identifying and arresting these individuals.

 Below are several scams that our residents should be aware of.

•  Victims are contacted by a person portraying a representative of McAfee or a similar computer anti-virus company. During the call, residents are told that their computer has been compromised and allow the caller to access their computer information and online banking.  This would allow the suspect to make later transfers from your bank accounts. 
• Victims offer an item for sale online and are contacted by a potential buyer. The buyer forwards a check for an amount more than the selling price and are asked to forward the remaining funds to a third person.  After cashing the check, the victim is informed by their bank that the check was fraudulent and the cash was removed from their savings.  
• Victims are contacted over the phone by a person posing as an agent with the IRS. The suspect threatens that the victim will be arrested due a tax debt unless it is immediately satisfied.  The victim is then urged to purchase gift cards and provide the caller with the identification numbers from the card allowing for later use.
• Victims are contacted by a suspect posing as law enforcement. The victim is advised that a relative was arrested and is seeking bail money.  The victim is then asked to provide credit card information or purchase gift cards in the amount of the bail.

 Here are some points to remember:

•  Residents are urged to never supply personal information over the phone. Your financial institutes rarely conduct business over the phone and do not need your social security number because they already have it.
•  Nobody ever forwards you a check for the sale of an item that is more than the asking price.
• The Internal Revenue Service, businesses, and law enforcement, do not accept gift cards as payment.  
• Remember that social media provides criminals with your address, your habits, your birthday, your profession, and when you’re on vacation; not to mention photos of your children.   

  Please be cautious!

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service, in conjunction with the Ocean County Parks Department will be conducting a prescribed burn operation on Ocean County property within Lacey Township tomorrow, March 14th, 2020. The area impacted is located in the area of West Lacey Road between Spaulding Avenue and Carriage Road, west of the Garden State Parkway. Lacey Road will be impacted by a smoke condition during burning operations, as such, a detour will be established at Lacey Road and the Garden State Parkway and Lacey Road and Dover Road.

The roadway will be accessible to local traffic only between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Residents located off Spaulding Avenue are requested to utilize the east side of the detour, closest to the Garden State Parkway to gain access to their residence as the roadway west of Spaulding Ave will be closed to vehicular traffic. Residents in the Carriage Road development are requested to access their residence from the west end of the detour at Lacey Road and Dover Road, as Lacey Road will be closed to vehicular traffic east of Penhook Road.

The Lacey Township Police Department and Lacey Township Office of Emergency Management appreciate the cooperation and understanding of local residents during
this temporary inconvenient condition to help safeguard your homes from the threat of wildfire. Thank you.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

Lacey Township Mayor Steven Kennis and Police Chief Michel C. DiBella would like to update our residents and visitors regarding the precautions we are taking to protect both our vulnerable population and our employees.

This past Wednesday, March 11, 2020, Chief Michael C. DiBella put a temporary modified patrol response plan in place. This plan allows for our police officers to take reports over the phone for calls that do not require evidence to be collected, an on-scene investigation to be conducted, or otherwise require an officer to respond to the scene. Residents having incidents meeting the above criteria are encouraged to utilize this service.

The Police Department is also looking into a self-reporting module on our police department’s website (www.Laceypd.org) where our residents will be able to file certain non-emergent police reports on-line. When this becomes available the community will be notified. The goal of these temporary procedures are to help decrease unnecessary contact with individuals as a means of reducing in-person contact and mitigating the risks associated with person-to-person transmission of novel coronavirus.

We feel that because our officers interact with so many people throughout the day, having them unnecessarily interact with our residents, many of which are considered ‘vulnerable’, is a prudent and judicious approach to limiting a possible exposure.

Furthermore, Lacey Officials have asked for limited public access to all Township-owned buildings (not including the police department) and the parks beginning this Monday, March 16, 2020. The police department will remain open to the public, however, all other Township-owned buildings, including the Municipal Building will have very limited public access. However, Lacey Township Municipal Building Offices will be staffed with personnel, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Personnel will be able to answer questions over the telephone. Residents may call 609-693-1100 during the above hours.

All gatherings as directed should be canceled or postponed in order to comply with the guidelines of social distancing that the President, Governor and Health Officials are advising.

We recognize that our residents regularly visit our Municipal Offices, for example, to pay taxes or complete paperwork, etc. However, based on all of the available information, the next 30 to 45 days is critical in curtailing the spread of the virus. During this period, it is our goal to ensure both the Lacey Township Police Department and the Township Municipal Offices are able to provide all of its services to our residents. The Township of Lacey is encouraging our residents to use the mail, telephone Town Hall, or send an email during this time. Tax, water/sewer payments, business licenses, construction permits, etc., may be made online through the Lacey Township Website, www.laceytownship.org.

The Health and Wellbeing of our residents and employees is our top priority. We encourage all of our residents to stay informed through trustworthy information sources, and to take simple but effective health precautions.

Both the Lacey Township Police Department and our Township Committee are committed to doing everything possible to keep our residents and our personnel safe while meeting the public safety needs of our community. As your Chief of Police, I want you to know that it was a difficult decision to modify our patrol response, as you all know I am very passionate about public interaction and community policing. Once we all move past this, I can assure you the Lacey Township Police Department and the Township Offices will return to normal operations.

Thank you.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

-Mayor Steven Kennis

*** UPDATE **** The Lacey Township Police Department website http://Laceypd.org has been updated to allow specific non-emergent incidents to be reported on-line utilizing our self-reporting module.  Once you log on to our website,  just click on the Red Bar at the top of the screen that states, “File Police Report Online.” Follow the steps/directions to self report. 

Call 911 in an emergency. In addition, you may call the Lacey Township Police Department at  (609) 693-6636. 

Lacey Township Mayor Steven Kennis and Police Chief Michel C. DiBella would like to update our residents and visitors regarding the precautions we are taking to protect both our vulnerable population and our employees.

This past Wednesday, March 11, 2020, Chief Michael C. DiBella put a temporary modified patrol response plan in place. This plan allows for our police officers to take reports over the phone for calls that do not require evidence to be collected, an on-scene investigation to be conducted, or otherwise require an officer to respond to the scene. Residents having incidents meeting the above criteria are encouraged to utilize this service.

The Police Department is also looking into a self-reporting module on our police department’s website (www.Laceypd.org) where our residents will be able to file certain non-emergent police reports on-line. When this becomes available the community will be notified. The goal of these temporary procedures are to help decrease unnecessary contact with individuals as a means of reducing in-person contact and mitigating the risks associated with person-to-person transmission of novel coronavirus.

We feel that because our officers interact with so many people throughout the day, having them unnecessarily interact with our residents, many of which are considered ‘vulnerable’, is a prudent and judicious approach to limiting a possible exposure.

Furthermore, Lacey Officials have asked for limited public access to all Township-owned buildings (not including the police department) and the parks beginning this Monday, March 16, 2020. The police department will remain open to the public, however, all other Township-owned buildings, including the Municipal Building will have very limited public access. However, Lacey Township Municipal Building Offices will be staffed with personnel, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Personnel will be able to answer questions over the telephone. Residents may call 609-693-1100 during the above hours.

All gatherings as directed should be canceled or postponed in order to comply with the guidelines of social distancing that the President, Governor and Health Officials are advising.

We recognize that our residents regularly visit our Municipal Offices, for example, to pay taxes or complete paperwork, etc. However, based on all of the available information, the next 30 to 45 days is critical in curtailing the spread of the virus. During this period, it is our goal to ensure both the Lacey Township Police Department and the Township Municipal Offices are able to provide all of its services to our residents. The Township of Lacey is encouraging our residents to use the mail, telephone Town Hall, or send an email during this time. Tax, water/sewer payments, business licenses, construction permits, etc., may be made online through the Lacey Township Website, www.laceytownship.org.

The Health and Well being of our residents and employees is our top priority. We encourage all of our residents to stay informed through trustworthy information sources, and to take simple but effective health precautions.

Both the Lacey Township Police Department and our Township Committee are committed to doing everything possible to keep our residents and our personnel safe while meeting the public safety needs of our community. As your Chief of Police, I want you to know that it was a difficult decision to modify our patrol response, as you all know I am very passionate about public interaction and community policing. Once we all move past this, I can assure you the Lacey Township Police Department and the Township Offices will return to normal operations.

Thank you.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

-Mayor Steven Kennis

Yesterday (March 16, 2020) Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 104, with the goal of slowing the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus).

Executive Order #104 directs the following:

All gatherings of persons in the State of New Jersey shall be limited to 50 persons or fewer, with limited exceptions;

All public, private, and parochial preschool programs, and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools, will be closed beginning tomorrow, March 18th, 2020, and will remain closed as long as this Order remains in effect;

Institutions of higher education will cease all in-person instruction beginning tomorrow, March 18th, 2020, and shall cease such in-person instruction as long as this Order remains in effect;

The Commissioner of Education shall continue working with each public, private, and parochial school to ensure students are able to continue their education through appropriate home instruction;

The Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Education shall take all necessary actions to ensure all students eligible for free or reduced meals will continue to receive the services necessary to meet nutritional needs during closures;

All casinos, concert venues, nightclubs, racetracks, gyms, fitness centers and classes, movie theaters, and performing arts centers were closed to the public beginning last evening, March 16, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. They will remain closed as long as this Order remains in effect;

All other non-essential retail, recreational, and entertainment businesses must cease daily operations from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.; and

All restaurant establishments, with or without a liquor or limited brewery license, are limited to offering delivery and/or take out-services only.

The Lacey Township Police Department will be working with our local businesses and institutions that have been impacted by this order to make sure they understand these provisions and answer any questions they might have.

Police Department News

The Lacey Township Police Department continues to adjust department policy and how we manage our workforce to guard against employee exposure, unnecessary interaction with the public, and to reduce the threats of employee absenteeism and attrition. As a result. last evening the Lacey Township Police Department website http://Laceypd.org was updated to allow specific non-emergent incidents to be reported on-line utilizing our self-reporting module.  Once you log on to our website,  just click on the Red Bar at the top of the screen that states, “File Police Report Online.” Follow the steps/directions to self report. In addition, you may call the Lacey Township Police Department at  (609) 693-6636 to file a report.

Always call 911 in an emergency.

I would like to thank the Lacey Township Community for your continued support of the police department during this time, very much appreciated.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

Good evening,

On Monday, March 16, 2020, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 104 which among other things limited and/or closed certain businesses in this state, including in our community here in Lacey Township. Yesterday the Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, under his authority as the State’s Emergency Management Coordinator and Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 104, directed the closure of the following facilities effective 8:00 p.m. last evening (March 17th, 2020). These include:

As most of you are aware, over the past week the Lacey Township Police Department has taken precautions and measures to protect both our staff and our community from unnecessary exposure to the coronavirus, especially our vulnerable population.  This includes the temporary modification of our patrol response to allow certain non-emergent minor calls for service be reported over the telephone and/or on our new self-reporting module on our website http://laceypd.org.

Please note, the Lacey Township Police Department will always respond to 911/emergent calls for service.

Regarding motor vehicle crashes in Lacey Township, those looking to pick up a copy of their crash report, rather than coming into police headquarters may email our police department records bureau directly at ltalarico@laceypd.org. You may request a copy of your crash report be emailed to you directly.

Although these temporary procedures have been put into place, our quality of service will not change. I would like to thank our community for their on-going support of the police department and all of our local emergency services.

Fire- On Friday, March 13, 2020, at 3:34 p.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio and Michael Verwey were dispatched to a Weehawken Avenue residence in reference to a fire.  Upon arriving, it was determined that the fire originated and was contained to the oven.  Members of the Forked River Fire Department responded and assisted with ventilation of the home.

Fraud- On Friday, March 13, 2020, at 10:00 p.m., Officer Dallas Gant met with a Lanoka Harbor resident who reported fraudulent transactions.  The victim stated that his credit card was used to make two separate Google Pay transactions in the amount of $240.

Fraud- On Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 2:30 p.m., Officer John Simonson took a report in reference to fraudulent activity.  A Forked River resident noticed that her bank account had been compromised and two charges were made in Texas.  The charges were approximately $600.

Theft- On Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 6:21 p.m., Officer Patrick Watkins met with a Forked River resident reporting her purse missing.  The caller stated that after shopping in the Lacey Mall, she realized that she had left her purse in a shopping cart.  The caller returned to the area but was unable to locate it.  The purse contained an amount of cash, credit cards, Social Security card, and several medications.

Fire- On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at 1:32 p.m., Officer Scott Anderson was dispatched to Gary Smith Way in reference to a brush fire.  A small fire was discovered in a mulch bed that surrounds the apartments.  The Forked River Fire Department extinguished the fire that caused no damage to the complex.

Good evening,

On Monday, March 16, 2020, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 104.  Earlier today, paragraph 7 of the Executive Order was updated to include the following: facilities where personal care services are performed that, by their very nature, result in noncompliance with social distancing guidelines, including but not limited to:

cosmetology shops, barber shops, beauty salons, hair braiding shops, nail salons, electrology facilities, spas, including day spas and medical spas, at which solely elective and cosmetic medical procedures are performed, massage parlors, tanning salons, tattoo parlors, and public and private social clubs, whether or not they serve alcohol, including but not limited to facilities owned or operated by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, and any other social clubs associated with community service organizations.

The order advises that the update takes effect immediately , and the facilities listed above were ordered to close to members of the public effective 8:00 p.m. this evening (March 19, 2020). They shall remain closed to the public for as long as the Executive Order remains in effect.

Health facilities that provide medically necessary or therapeutic services are exempted from the directive.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

Great resources. Please share with family and friends.

RESOURCE INFORMATION FROM NJ211:

https://www.nj211.org/coronavirus-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR3mEcNo0URq6DBZ6Qfo3jKanSBXOxAg9PIiBWQirEEh0pYTl6NEyNP-Llk

COVID-19 Information Hub

https://covid19.nj.gov/

To help decrease unnecessary contact with individuals in an effort to mitigate risks associated with the transmission of coronavirus, we are asking our residents and visitors to utilize the below services for copies of police reports. In addition, if you need to apply for a temporary handicap placard please see the attached instructions.

Crash Reports:

They are released upon approval, usually 5 to 7 business days:

www.carfax.com

or email your request to ltalarico@laceypd.org Please include the case number (if supplied), names, date and time of the crash to assist us in locating the correct report.  Please include a contact phone number in case we have any questions for you. Requests sent to ltalarico@laceypd.org for crash reports will be emailed at no charge.

Police Reports:

Please email any requests for copies of police reports to ltalarico@laceypd.org. You must provide your name, address, and type of report you are requesting a copy of (for example a theft report). You must have a vested interest in the report, such as being a victim or needing it for insurance purposes. You must also provide a phone number for us to contact you at as we will follow up with a phone call to explain what documents we need to see to ensure confidentiality. This will require you emailing a copy of identification to prove you are entitled to the report. Providing you are entitled to the report, it will be mailed to you, and will have required redactions of personal information. Please note not all reports will be available through this function.

If you have any questions you may contact the Lacey Township Police Department Records Bureau at 609-693-6636 ext. 2558 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or you may email ltalarico@laceypd.org.

Handicap Placard:

For those in need of a Temporary Handicap Placard, we have established the following procedure:

1. Mail completed application signed by a doctor to: Lacey Township Police Department, Attention Records Bureau, 808 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731.
2. Include a personal check made out to “NJMVC” in the amount of $4.00. This check cannot be made out to Lacey Township.
3. We will then mail the temporary placard to you via US Postal Service.

If you need a temporary handicap placard application, please email ltalarico@laceypd.org. A copy will be emailed to you.

Thank you,

-Chief Michael C. DiBella 

As we all do our best to protect ourselves and our families during this tough time, there are others who are going to take advantage.  There have been reports of several scams that are directly connected to the COVID-19 outbreak and we are urging our residents to be mindful of suspicious people, emails, and phone calls.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with other health organizations, are not completing surveys or asking for donations due to the pandemic.  Although not in our community, reports have suggested that suspects portraying members of the CDC or Red Cross have been going door to door with a fraudulent survey in an attempt to enter your home.  Should anyone posing as such come to your residence, do not answer and contact your local police department. Call 911 in an emergency.  There have been other reports of phone calls and emails offering COVID-19 test kits, medical supplies, and offers to other free services that are all fictitious.

As we progress through this pandemic, we expect that fraudulent activity and scams will flourish.  Please be vigilant against supplying personal information, bank account information, and credit cards to anyone that you have not contacted directly.  Additionally, any request for payments through a gift card are fraudulent and must not be entertained.  Please report any such activity to our agency and family members in an attempt to discourage these acts in our community.

As always, our officers continue to be committed to our township and are working long hours to protect our residents.  Although all of your concerns continue to be a priority, please be reminded that minor calls for service can be reported over the phone or through the Internet at Laceypd.org.  This limited contact between our officers and the residents will benefit us all.

Thank you.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

On Sunday, March 22, 2020, at 12:11 p.m., officers from the Lacey Township Police Department responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a dirt-bike, which occurred off-road, approximately 1.5 miles south of the intersection Lacey Road and Carriage Road.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver, 43-year-old Jose Perez, of Queens, New York, was traveling south along a trail, when he failed to negotiate a turn.  As a result, he lost control of the dirt bike and was thrown from it.

Mr. Perez sustained significant spinal and head injury as a result of the crash and was transported by helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.

Lacey Township EMS, MONOC Paramedics as well as Forked River and Bamber Lakes Fire Departments also responded to the scene.  The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit also responded to assist in the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the incident, please contact the Sergeant Resetar at 609-693-6636 ext 2590.

Stay informed. Scams and rumors can easily circulate during times of crisis. The attached information chart  has a lot of reliable sources that you can cross reference things you hear about on social media. Use search engines and websites to check facts and rumors. When in doubt, remember to rely on official agencies like our local and state health departments, the CDC, and the http://covid19.nj.gov and http://nj.gov websites. They are great places to get facts surrounding the COVID-19 epidemic.

– Chief Michael C. DiBella

*** Firearms Identification Card Applications and Handgun Purchase Permits ***

During the past couple of weeks,  the Lacey Township Police Department has experienced a significant increase in the number of firearms identification cards and handgun purchase permit applications. We are working hard to process these requests in a timely manner for our residents. The Lacey Township Police Department will continue to accept new firearms applications and process them with the understanding that delays will be experienced due to the COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

Fraud- On Sunday, March 22, 2020, at 4:48 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis met with a Forked River resident in reference to a scam.  The victim reported that she is an Apple customer and received an email asking for account information.  The victim reported providing debit card information and social security number prior to realizing that the email was not authentic.

Criminal Mischief- On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 7:34 p.m., Officer Duffy responded to McDonald’s for a report of criminal mischief. Employees reported that a male subject attempted to be served food by walking through the drive-thru. After being denied service, he became angry and threw a rock at the drive-thru window causing it to break. The male was described as a thin, white male in his 40’s wearing a brown jacket. The male fled on foot towards the woods near Anthony’s Pizza and could not be located.  The window was valued at $400.00.

Mutual Fighting- On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 5:12 p.m., Officers Daniel Ricciardella and Andrew Slota responded to Walmart for a report of a dispute. Upon arrival, officers met with two adult males who had entered a physical altercation inside the store.  The fight originated after one of the men was struck with a cart.  Neither were injured and both were advised of the criminal complaint procedure.

Fraud- On Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 12:07 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota met with a Township resident in reference to his credit card being used fraudulently.  The victim’s account revealed that his credit card information was used on four separate occasions at Walmart locations in Edison and Woodbridge.  The total amount of the theft is $579.14.

Theft- On Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 3:24 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota took a theft report from a Forked River resident.  The victim reported that after UPS delivered a package, it was stolen from her front porch prior to her retrieving it.  The package was valued at $975.

Theft- On Friday, March 27, 2020, at 12:10 p.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio and Michael Verwey responded to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter.  Through a review of surveillance video and transaction receipts, Loss Prevention confirmed that a customer did not scan an amount of items while in the self-checkout line.  The surveillance video was used to identify the actor as Kristen Hansen, 37, of Lanoka Harbor.  Hansen was charged with Shoplifting and served with the complaint at her residence.  The theft was valued at $297.08.

Fraud- On Friday, March 27, 2020, at 7:38 p.m., Officer Brian Holt took a report of a fraudulent credit charge from a Forked River resident.  The victim reported that while reviewing a credit card statement, she noticed a $196.89 charge at Walmart that she did not make.  Walmart Loss Prevention advised that the order was filled by a store location in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on March 9, 2020.

Arrest- On Monday, March 30, 2020, at 8:40 a.m., officers arrested a Lakewood man at a Lanoka Harbor residence.  Anthony Fuller, 33, was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility on the strength of two outstanding warrants issued by the Berkeley and Brick Township Municipal Courts.  Both warrants were issued in connection with driving while suspended.

Illegal Dumping- On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 3:01 p.m., Lacey Police received a call concerning a suspicious vehicle.  The caller stated that he observed a pickup truck enter a wooded area in Bamber loaded with old fencing and suspected it might be dumped illegally.  Officer Scott Anderson responded and met with the caller who stated that the truck had left the area without the fencing and supplied the registration information.  Officer Anderson located the discarded fencing and contacted the registered owner of the vehicle.  The owner, Hunter Bunnell, 18, explained that the wood was left near a fire pit in preparation for an upcoming gathering.  Bunnell returned to the area to recover the wood and was issued a summons for illegal dumping.

*** UPDATE ******  Firearms Identification Card Applications and Handgun Purchase Permits *** UPDATE ***

During the past couple of weeks,  the Lacey Township Police Department has experienced a significant increase in the number of firearms identification cards and handgun purchase permit applications. We are working hard to process these requests in a timely manner for our residents. The Lacey Township Police Department will continue to accept new firearms applications and process them with the understanding that delays will be experienced due to the COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

To help decrease unnecessary contact with individuals in an effort to mitigate risks associated with the transmission of coronavirus, we are asking our residents and visitors to utilize the below services for copies of police reports. In addition, if you need to apply for a temporary handicap placard please see the attached instructions.

Crash Reports:

They are released upon approval, usually 5 to 7 business days:

www.carfax.com

or email your request to ltalarico@laceypd.org Please include the case number (if supplied), names, date and time of the crash to assist us in locating the correct report.  Please include a contact phone number in case we have any questions for you. Requests sent to ltalarico@laceypd.org for crash reports will be emailed at no charge.

Police Reports:

Please email any requests for copies of police reports to ltalarico@laceypd.org. You must provide your name, address, and type of report you are requesting a copy of (for example a theft report). You must have a vested interest in the report, such as being a victim or needing it for insurance purposes. You must also provide a phone number for us to contact you at as we will follow up with a phone call to explain what documents we need to see to ensure confidentiality. This will require you emailing a copy of identification to prove you are entitled to the report. Providing you are entitled to the report, it will be mailed to you, and will have required redactions of personal information. Please note not all reports will be available through this function.

If you have any questions you may contact the Lacey Township Police Department Records Bureau at 609-693-6636 ext. 2558 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or you may email ltalarico@laceypd.org.

Temporary Handicap Placard:

For those in need of a Temporary Handicap Placard, we have established the following procedure:

1. Mail completed application signed by a doctor to: Lacey Township Police Department, Attention Records Bureau, 808 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731.
2. Include a personal check made out to “NJMVC” in the amount of $4.00. This check cannot be made out to Lacey Township.
3. We will then mail the temporary placard to you via US Postal Service.

If you need a temporary handicap placard application, please email ltalarico@laceypd.org. A copy will be emailed to you.

Thank you,

-Chief Michael C. DiBella 

The Lacey Township Police Department would like to warn our residents about the numerous phishing attempts and scams.

It is not new for people to be taken advantage of, even in times of crisis.  Unfortunately, the current situation involving COVID-19 is no different.  As we have all adjusted to new protocols involving employment and daily life, so have the scammers that prey on the public.  The need for adapting to meet needs while social distancing, has increased the use of the internet to accomplish tasks.  This has its own inherent security risks which some are not aware of.  Additionally, the timing of certain requirements, which include tax returns and stimulus checks, have opened the doors for new scam opportunities.

The Internal Revenue Service has urged taxpayers to be on the lookout for a surge of calls and email phishing attempts about the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. These contacts can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.  Taxpayers should watch not only for emails but text messages, websites and social media attempts that request money or personal information.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that scammers may:

• Emphasize the words “Stimulus Check” or “Stimulus Payment.” The official term is economic impact payment.
• Ask the taxpayer to sign over their economic impact payment check to them.
• Ask by phone, email, text or social media for verification of personal and/or banking information saying that the information is needed to receive or speed up their economic impact payment.
• Suggest that they can get a tax refund or economic impact payment faster by working on the taxpayer’s behalf. This scam could be conducted by social media or even in person.
• Mail the taxpayer a bogus check, perhaps in an odd amount, then tell the taxpayer to call a number or verify information online in order to cash it

For more information related to these scams, click the link below.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-warning-about-coronavirus-related-scams-watch-out-for-schemes-tied-to-economic-impact-payments?fbclid=IwAR2btZhAUdMNaylVtXXdnHOqLaFRaP3p8RUOpMJmwYYs8WRtrGoplqWZ5VQ

Additionally the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is also warning the public that scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus.  The Federal Trade Commission continues its work protecting consumers, providing guidance to businesses, and protecting competition in the marketplace throughout the pandemic. Staff are working remotely and events that are not postponed are being held via webcast.

Here are some tips provided by the FTC to help you keep the scammers at bay:

• Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are trying to get you to buy products that aren’t proven to treat or prevent the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus. Visit the FDA to learn more.
• Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus for links to federal, state and local government agencies.
• Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t.
• Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
• Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
• Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

For further information regarding the FTC and tips to help avoid scams, please visit the following links.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing?utm_source=coronavirus

https://www.ftc.gov/coronavirus

The Lacey Township Police Department urges the public to remain vigilant and protect themselves from all forms of scams. If you have any questions regarding scams, please contact either Detective Sergeant Samuel DellaSala at 609-693-6636 ext. 2582, or Detective Charles May, at 609-693-6636 ext. 2591.

Thank you,

-Chief Michael C. DiBella